February 1, 2003
Gr 2-3-Using a question-and-answer format, Rabbits discusses the different traits and behaviors of rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and gerbils. While all are rodents, each one has its own peculiarities. Horses does the same for horses and ponies. Charming, full-color photographs and drawings, especially those depicting the animals interacting with humans, mostly children, enhance the large-type texts. A winning combination of tightly written narrative, age-appropriate vocabulary, and worthy illustrations guarantees that independent readers will enjoy these titles.-Pamela K. Bomboy, Chesterfield County Public Schools, VA
Copyright 2003 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
November 15, 2002
Reviewed with Joan Holub's "Why Do Horses Neigh?"
K-Gr. 2. Holub, who took on cats and dogs in her previous books in the Dial Easy-to-Read series, follows a similar format as she introduces horses in one volume and rabbits and other small pets, such as hamsters, in another. Presented in a question-and-answer format, the text is both interesting and informative. What are baby and adult horses called? Is a pony a horse? Are horses smart? These are\plain\f2\fs24\b \plain\f2\fs24 just a few of the questions answered in an easy-to-read style." Rabbits "may be a more useful choice as it features animals children are more likely to have as pets. It delineates the differences between hamsters, gerbils, and guinea pigs and describes the way the small animals eat, move, play, and socialize. Both books have a bright, appealing format that combines jaunty original art and well-chosen photos. (Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2002, American Library Association.)
July 1, 2003
These well-designed, informative books entice early readers with short, direct sentences and attractive color photos and illustrations. The brisk question-and-answer format provides nourishing fodder for young readers while piquing interest intelligently: why horses wear shoes, why hamsters have cheek pouches, how rabbit leg structure determines patterns of movement. [Review covers these Dial Easy-to-Read titles: "Why Do Horses Neigh?" and "Why Do Rabbits Hop?". ]
(Copyright 2003 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)